Mazurka No. 3 in B minor, Op. 66

Composed in 1882. Un poco agitato. Similar to Mazurka No. 1, the piece is based on the mazur, with the middle section in a three-part Kujawiak form; however, at the end of the third section, there is a recollection of the middle section before entering the coda. While chromatic progression is also a common theme, Mazurka No. 3 further employs extensive syncopation and hemiola, and combined with its melancholic character, this tantalizing music aims for a decadent fin-de-siècle aesthetic.

It is dedicated to Countess Emanuela Potocka (1852-1930). The Potocki family brings to mind the friendship between Chopin and Madame Delfina Potocka (1807-1877). This is a distinguished Polish noble family, and Félix-Nicolas, whom Emanuela married, was the son of Delfina's husband, Mieczysław (not Delfina's son). The Hôtel Potocki in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, now owned by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was formerly owned by Félix-Nicolas, where Emanuela hosted splendid artistic salons, frequented even by the writer Guy de Maupassant. This was precisely the kind of high society depicted by Proust; indeed, Proust himself, using a pseudonym, contributed an article to Le Figaro about the salon Emanuela opened in Auteuil after her divorce. Saint-Saëns, who was then preparing for the premiere of his grand opera Henry VIII, may have dedicated this Mazurka to her, hoping for her influence in society.

Regarding this No. 3, similar to No. 1, there is a CD of a re-recorded piano roll from 1915 (Label: Dal Segno, Product No.: DSPRCD009) which may be consulted.